New Directions
At HSDC Alton College campus, on Friday 27 October 2023, 10am-4pm.
To exhibit at this event, please email business@easthants.gov.uk.
What is it?
The New Directions fair is an event designed to help people looking to make a change – whether that’s a new career, a new volunteering challenge or a new skill.
It’s free of charge to attend and is open to everyone in East Hampshire.
It consists of exhibitors, speakers and workshops that will give visitors the opportunities they need to make a fresh start.
The event will also feature a thrilling helicopter simulator with VR headsets, brought by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
If you would like to sign up to hear any of the speakers or listen to any of the workshops please contact us, and please advise us in advance if you have any accessibility issues that we can help you with.
How will I get there?
Alton College has been chosen as the venue because it is easy to access by public transport. Alton train station is less than a mile away. Major bus routes from Basingstoke, Guildford, Winchester and Petersfield run through Alton town centre. It is also accessible by footpath and cycleway.
Bicycle parking and disabled parking is available at the front of the college and will be signposted. Please use the postcode GU34 2LX or what3words: coining.degrading.warmers.
Car parking is available at the rear of the college and will be signposted. Please use the postcode GU34 2HU or what3words: bagels.rash.positives.
Free transport
If you live in a part of East Hampshire which doesn’t have easy access to Alton or Alton College, EHDC has teamed up with Community First to provide free transport to get you to and from the event.
To book your place, please email terry.mack@cfirst.org.uk or phone 01420 475759.
You must book your place, and advise of any accessibility issues, before 19 October 2023.
Why is it being held?
Cllr Rob Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “The pandemic has made a lot of people re-evaluate their careers and their role in their communities. This event will give people the chance to see what opportunities are out there and to try something new.”
Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, said: “The opportunity to work in the community you live in – either through paid employment or as a volunteer – makes for better, more cohesive communities. It can also be hugely beneficial for work/life balance and can reduce our carbon footprints if we are able to travel fewer miles to get to work.
“I’m delighted to see New Directions return for another year, and I hope that the employers and volunteering groups exhibiting gain as much from it as those attending as prospective employees and volunteers.”
Exhibit for free
If you would like to exhibit you still have time to book a space – simply email business@easthants.gov.uk. There is no charge to exhibit at this event.
Our thanks
EHDC would like to thank all of the organisations, charities, employers and community groups who are supporting the event. We are delighted that both Alton Lions and Alton Rotary will be supporting the event, and helping to direct visitors from the car park to the Refectory where the main exhibition is taking place.
Refreshments will be provided by Alton WI and Bordon Belles WI.
St John Ambulance will be helping us all to keep safe whilst at the college.
The event is being paid for by a central government fund called the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which East Hampshire District Council is using to help rural communities build resilience through the opportunities around them.
